Every Yanga fan is feeling the pressure ahead of a tense 90 minutes as the team prepares to face Silver Strikers of Malawi in the CAF Champions League decider for a group-stage ticket.
While the pressure is sky-high among fans, in camp Acting Head Coach Patrick Mabedi of Malawi has been hard at work, fully aware that to qualify they must win by at least 2–0 after losing 1–0 away.
Mabedi has been entrusted with steering Yanga into the CAF group stage once again as the club chases a record fourth consecutive qualification — after doing so in 2022–23 (Confederation Cup), 2023–24 and 2024–25 (Champions League).
The Malawian tactician replaced Romain Folz, whose contract was terminated on October 18, 2025, just hours after the 1–0 defeat to Silver Strikers.
To make sure Yanga qualify, Mabedi — who says he knows the opponents very well — first wants to ensure his defense concedes no goals, preparing defenders and midfielders to press aggressively with discipline.
“We didn’t have enough discipline in defense, that’s why we conceded. I told the players not to repeat that — this is a big team and they are big players,” Mabedi said.
“We must play with discipline but with brutality in denying the opponent any space or chance near our box. If we concede, we’ll only add unnecessary pressure.”
Mabedi added that the second key factor is finishing chances, since they will need to attack with intent.
He says Yanga cannot sit back and must treat every chance as if it will not come again, aiming to score early. He is preparing a squad capable of playing with high intensity throughout.
“We are at home, in front of our fans who will fill the stadium. We must fight for the club — it is important to get early goals.”
“We must have hunger to finish chances. When the opponent makes mistakes, we must punish them instead of letting them reorganize.”
“This is a big match. We must not underestimate Silver Strikers — they have a good coach and good players — but Yanga can show they are better in this home match that decides our fate. We must finish the game early,” he said.
